Most fat bikes on the market do not come with a suspension front fork, but in recent years more and more fat bikes have been equipped with suspension. But is that really necessary?

Fat bikes were originally designed for use on snow and sand where suspension was not necessary. We all know that the wide low pressure tires absorb a lot of bumps and shocks; they already act like a suspension.

Why were fat bikes abandoned?

While some riders still believe that a fat bike is only suitable for use in the snow, these days people use their big bike all year round and in all sorts of conditions. Mountain bikers wouldn't be mountain bikers if they didn't tend to push the limits of their fat bike and keep pushing into rougher and steeper terrain.

When we ride on slippery snow or sand, the vibrations and shocks to our arms are minimal. Although a fat bike is already very comfortable and easy to ride, a suspension fork can make a big difference when riding on rougher trails with coarse rocks and roots.

But the suspension of a bike with large tires has a few disadvantages. First, you need to consider the extra weight that a suspension fork adds to your bike. You'll add about two pounds to an already heavy bike. The second disadvantage is the price of a suspension fork. A good quality fork, such as B. a RockShox Bluto costs a good $600 to $700. Of course, some fat bikes are already equipped with a suspension fork, but the price for a suspension fat bike is also higher.

Other options?

Although a suspension fork is a top option, it's not the only choice. You can also opt for a rigid carbon fork. Although it remains a rigid fork, carbon has some properties that can completely change the way your fat bike rides and feels.

Carbon is much more compliant than steel or aluminum and is therefore much better at absorbing all the shocks and vibrations you encounter on your ride. Another feature of carbon forks is the weight reduction they offer. Carbon is a much lighter material than steel and aluminum. A lighter bike means it is much easier to handle and climb up the mountain.

And finally, you can find some very affordable carbon forks. Here at ICAN we already offer you a fork for less than ¼ the price of a full suspension fork. If you don't want to spend your entire budget on a full suspension fork, you might want to consider our rigid carbon fork.

Your final choice

As always with mountain biking, your final decision depends entirely on you: what type of rides you plan to do, the terrain you're riding on, and the budget you're willing to spend. If you plan to take your fat bike with you on the road, upgrading to a suspension fork or carbon fork is unnecessary. You will need the stability to attach additional bags and weight to the fork.

Do you ride your fat bike all year round on rough paths with lots of roots and stones? Then a suspension fork is probably your best choice. Or if you plan to ride your fat bike mostly in snowy fields in winter, a carbon fork is your best choice.

Whether you choose a rigid or suspended fork, remember that fat tires are for grip and traction while suspension is for control. A fat tire is not an alternative to suspension. Both have a completely different purpose, but work together to optimize your driving skills.